- Anglesey is in Gwynedd, Wales.
- Check access, weather and local guidance before travelling.
About Anglesey
Anglesey is the largest island in Wales, linked to the mainland across the Menai Strait by two historic bridges. It offers a varied coastline of sandy bays and cliffs, prehistoric monuments, and a strong Welsh-speaking culture.
The story of Anglesey
The Menai Suspension Bridge, designed by Thomas Telford and opened in 1826, was the first major suspension bridge in the world and carried the London–Holyhead road to the Dublin mail packet. The neighbouring Britannia Bridge, built by Robert Stephenson and opened in 1850, carried the railway until it was badly damaged by fire in 1970 and rebuilt as a dual-purpose road-and-rail crossing. Beaumaris Castle, begun by Edward I in 1295, was the last and most technically perfect of his "iron ring" of Welsh fortresses but was never finished for lack of money. Ynys Llanddwyn, a tidal peninsula on the south-west coast, is associated with St Dwynwen, the 5th-century Welsh patron saint of lovers.
Visiting with care
Cross the Menai Suspension Bridge into the island and tour the coast road, taking in Beaumaris, the South Stack cliffs near Holyhead and the beach at Newborough. RAF Valley on the west coast is also home to Anglesey's Sea Zoo and nearby coastal reserves.
Interesting facts
- Telford's Menai Suspension Bridge of 1826 was the world's first major suspension bridge.
- Beaumaris Castle, begun in 1295, is the most technically advanced of Edward I's Welsh castles but was never completed.
- Ynys Llanddwyn is named for St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers.
- The village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch has the longest place name in Britain.
Getting there
Parking and access details — check locally for the latest information.